Known exposure site details, dates and times are listed in Measles public exposure locations in NSW.
Other states are also reporting increased measles activity. Please see Queensland Health and Victoria Health for more information.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious complications.
Measles is rare in Australia because vaccination is effective in preventing the disease. However, people returning from overseas can still bring back the virus as measles is still common in many parts of the world Australians visit for holidays or to see family and friends.
The first symptoms of measles are:
A few days later, a rash appears. The rash starts on the face, spreads down to the body and lasts for 4-7 days. The rash is not itchy. Some people, particularly young children, may also have diarrhoea.
Measles symptoms usually start 10 days after being exposed to the virus. They can appear as early as 7 days or as late as 18 days. The rash usually starts around 14 days after exposure.
Measles is a serious disease. Up to a third of people with measles have complications and many need to go to hospital. Complications can include ear infections, diarrhoea, and pneumonia. About one in every 1000 people with measles develops encephalitis (swelling of the brain).
Measles is very easy to catch. You can get it by breathing in the virus after someone with measles coughs or sneezes. Just being in the same room as someone with measles can result in infection.
People with measles can spread the virus from just before the symptoms start until four days after the rash appears.
People are at risk of measles if they have contact with someone with measles infection and:
The best protection against measles is to get vaccinated. Two doses of measles vaccine, given at least four weeks apart, provide long-term protection for 99% of people.
Anyone aged 12 months or older who was born after 1966 should be vaccinated.
Doctors may recommend that babies aged 6 to 12 months get vaccinated before overseas travel or during an outbreak.
Frequently asked questions about measles vaccination
Measles is suspected when a person feels unwell, has a cough, runny nose or sore eyes and a fever, followed by a rash.
If a doctor thinks it might be measles, they will take a swab from the nose and throat, or a urine sample to confirm. A blood test may also be done.
Confirming measles is important, so public health can follow up with people who may be at risk of getting sick.
There is no specific treatment for measles. People who have measles should rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take paracetamol to help reduce the fever.
Some people may become very sick and need to go to hospital for care.
Look out for symptoms for 18 days after you were last in contact with the person who had measles.
During this time, try not to have contact with anyone who is at higher risk of measles, such as babies who are too young to be vaccinated.
If you start to get symptoms of measles:
People with symptoms of measles should call ahead before going to an emergency department or GP. Tell staff about your symptoms and any recent travel, contact with a known measles case or exposure location. When you arrive, ask staff for a mask and wear it to help protect others. They can also isolate you to reduce the risk of spreading measles.
People with measles should stay at home until they are no longer infectious. That is four days after the rash starts. Staying home helps stop the virus from spreading to other people.
The Multicultural Health Communication Service NSW (MHCS) provides translations for measles in 15 community languages.
